All articles tagged with #winter warfare
Russia’s intensified winter drone and missile strikes aimed at Ukraine’s energy grid seek to freeze the population into submission, but repair crews, neighborly solidarity, and steadfast resolve across Kyiv and other cities show resilience even as outages and freezing temperatures persist.
The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia is intensifying its offensives against Ukraine, likely taking advantage of freezing ground conditions to move armored vehicles. The Ukrainian General Staff data indicated a significant increase in Russian offensive activity, resulting in substantial losses of military vehicles and personnel. Russian forces are engaging in large-scale infantry assaults on cities like Avdiivka, with a reliance on high-risk frontal attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for the upcoming mud season, with experts highlighting the potential advantage of Ukraine's US-provided Abrams tanks in the challenging environment.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for the acceleration of fortifying defensive lines across the front line, as Russian forces attempt to encircle Avdiivka in the east and target the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's air force claims to have shot down 18 Russian drones and one cruise missile. With winter setting in, Zelensky emphasizes the importance of preparing for the new phase of the war. The Ukrainian leader also highlights the need to strengthen defenses in the Donetsk region, the north-east, and the region around Kyiv. Despite continued fighting, fears of a "frozen" conflict persist.
Ukraine plans to leverage the winter season to cut off Russian military supply chains and "freeze them out" of the country, according to a spokesman for Ukraine's Ground Forces. The aim is to disrupt Russian occupation forces' logistics and operations, with the hope that rain and frost will impede their movements. While winter conditions typically slow down fighting, Ukraine intends to continue its counteroffensive efforts and inflict significant damage on Russian forces. Last winter, Russia used the season to fortify its defenses and lay landmines, hindering Ukraine's counteroffensive. Ukraine and its allies have also warned of Russia's potential targeting of Ukraine's power and water infrastructure with missiles.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that the Ukrainian counteroffensive will not be definitively halted by winter weather, as Ukrainian forces are advancing on foot rather than relying on vehicles. The success of the counteroffensive will depend on the balance of forces between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Western aid. Ukrainian troops have reportedly continued to advance in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with reports suggesting that they have cleared Russian positions between Robotyne and Novoprokopivka.